We have been living here since the new ownership and have had no problems. We are in our 6th month…read moreof the lease and we have received no outrageous heat bills or strange notices. Nicole Leigh S.'s review sounds a bit odd. If you live in an apartment and were not told when you signed that the heat would be free, but then you never receive a heat bill for your unit, doesn't that tell you something isn't right, and that maybe you should ask the management about it?
Anyway, the new ownership appears to be very responsible. Heat is divided among the residents in each building, according to square footage of each unit, and bills come at a timely manner. We have never had a heat bill for $100 or more than that, even during a freezing winter and spring. Tenants receive bills from Consumer's for their electricity use. Water is charged to each unit at a flat $25 bill, billed at the same time each month as the heat.
Our unit stays nice and warm in the winter and we do not have noticeable drafts, unlike the previous place we lived. Our building is at the bottom of the hill and the buildings at the top of the hill are exposed to more winds and cold than the buildings further down hill that are more shielded from it. It's simple to put plastic over your window to cut back any drafts to help your unit stay warmer.
As for the dog droppings mentioned by a previous reviewer, how can the management or owner of the place be blamed for people not picking up after their own dogs?? Management did send warning letter out, around February, reminding people to clean up after their animals and that if anyone was seen not doing so they could face eviction. So, the management did their part and sent out a warning and a reminding of the rules. Outside of that, people are responsible for their own animals feces.
Regarding a previous reviewer stating that her lot was not plowed after a winter storm, all I can say is I have never seen a time when the plow truck here wasn't out after a snowfall or storm. After every snow, I would see the plow truck out at 6. a.m. There was one storm that dropped a very wet and icy, sloppy snow mixture overnight and the management sent out an apology note that said their equipment was unable to effectively handle it because it was so wet and heavy. Other than that, I have seen no issues with the plow truck not plowing. Perhaps some people need proper vehicles that can handle the norther Michigan weather.
Overall, this has been an excellent place to live. The units are quiet and we cannot hear our neighbors. I've lived in apartments where it seemed the walls were made of cardboard and you could hear your neighbors talking, etc. This place is nice and sound proof. The grounds are pretty, the management is friendly, and we have found the maintenance people to be prompt in getting over to look at a problem.
If you own a dog or cat, you can have them here. The units are set up like townhomes, with a second floor. The clubhouse is nice and can be rented for group events at $15 an hour, for tenants.
The only thing I wish was different was that the parking lots were able to handle more vehicles. A lot of units have multiple adults renting together (3 and 4 in some units), and they all have their own vehicles, which makes more vehicles per unit that the standard norm for a typical family with children. So, the lots can get filled up fast as people return home from work, and a few extra spaces would be nice to help this situation. Also, if they would assign spaces or space numbers, that could possibly help. Or, if they would build an overflow/visitor lot across Manitou Dr. There are almost enough spaces for each unit if there is one to two adults, and maybe one or two children, living in them. But several units are more like college dorms with 4 and 5 adults shacking up together in them. That's my only real complaint.
Otherwise, we recommend this place to people who are looking for a quiet place to live. In my experience, this is a lot nicer place that other apartments I've rented, especially for the price.
